Cowboys draft needs?

[Verdict]

What do you guys see the draft needs going into the 2019 draft after week 16? Who will we be losing in free agency?

I say go BPA all the way. Let it sort itself out.

In no particular order:

OT help
DT
Slot receiver
Backup RB
Third linebacker--- Wilson/Lee gone
Corner depth
Backup QB?

Let's hear your thoughts?

 

[Hardline]

TE is at the top of the needs list but I go BPA

 

[beware_d-ware]

TE is at the top of the needs list but I go BPA

Yep. You never draft blind to need, but our last few drafts have slanted hard towards BPA and it's served us well.

But if we're talking needs, the way I see it is:

Pressing needs:
-TE. Swaim is hurt and kind of JAGy at best. Schultz looks scrubby, and for a Stanford guy, he's having a hard time learning the playbook. (anyone see that blown block he had on Coop's fly sweep?). 90% of our snaps use a TE, we are probably best off investing in a dynamic Y receiver.

-Both safeties. Woods blows a lot of tackles, Heath is a proven mediocre player being elevated by the talent around him. S is the clear weak point of our defense

-OT depth. Tyron is breaking down, La'El can't pass block and might be gone here in a year or two. If a talented LT fell to the second, I'd seriously consider him even though he'd have no immediate route to playing time.

-3rd WR. Coop, Gallup, and then? 3rd WRs are basically starters in today's NFL and we don't have one. Beas resigning may fix that, although I am looking to save money wherever possible to extend our high-priced second contract players.

We'll see:

DT. I actually like the guys we have between Crawford, Collins, and Woods. But Crawford was hospitalized with a neck injury, so that's not something to take lightly. Collins was impressive last week in his absence, but he's been pretty scrubby for most of his 3 year career. We'll see how healthy Crawford is and how well Collins plays before figuring out how much attention to devote to DT.


Nice to have:
-3rd LB. Lee is as good as gone. I have confidence in Covington and JML, but I wouldn't avoid a good Sam if he came around.

-Backup RB. Rod Smith has been a negative-yards machine this year. Our backup RB gets like 3 touches a game if Zeke's healthy, but we can do better than Rod Smith.

-FB. With all the weird 3-TE, Noah Brown lead blocking sets we run, let's get a real, head-cracking fullback. That is, if can find one. Colleges just don't make 'em any more.

-Backup QB. Churn, churn, churn. Rush ain't the answer.

 

[Mr_437]

OT - my top need for DAL. Tyron is missing games due to injuries and LC will be a FA 2020. Re-sign Fleming and 2nd Rd pick.

DT - David Irving is out, probably. Maliek Collins is a FA 2020. I like Woods n Ross. I see DAL needing a 3Tech more, but the Hot Boyz just need another Big Boi wreaking the middle.

S - X. Woods may have solidified himself as an adequate starter w/ upside, but Kavon has been reduced, also Heath contract is up after 2019. Finding a guy to develop at SS for a year is ideal an cheaper than signing a high-priced Safety.

Slot WR/PR'er - this can be a mid-round starter. Beasley n Austin are FAs and Stephen may go cheap here to fit dollar wise w/ Amari's deal.

Scat RB - regardless if Rod Smith is re-signed or DAL signs someone else this doesn't effect the role of a speedy RB3/return man. Adding more speed and RAC ability for Dak is key.

I only like a premium pick TE for DAL.

 

[cnuball21]

DT and S.

I’ll continue to pound the drum for a DT early until we actually draft a dude that can impact the run and pass. Our stud LBs have covered up outback lack of talent there this year but if we get a good DT in the middle this D goes from solid to elite.

This class is loaded too, so there’s a high probability the BPA is a DT. One of the best DL classes I can remember.

 

[dallas72]

TE & S are main needs...we could sign Earl
Oline help and WR since Beasley probably gone

 

[CF74]

In any order:

1-Tech
3-Tech
Safety
WR
Tackle
Guard
QB if something special is attainable

 

[calicowboy54]

What do you guys see the draft needs going into the 2019 draft after week 16? Who will we be losing in free agency?

I say go BPA all the way. Let it sort itself out.

In no particular order:

OT help
DT
Slot receiver
Backup RB
Third linebacker--- Wilson/Lee gone
Corner depth
Backup QB?

Let's hear your thoughts?

Here is Mine:

1a. LG - We need to get this sorted out so we keep the trash out of Dak's face
1.b C - See 1a, Looney has been serviceable, but i think hes more of a give someone a breather Center.
2. OT - Either Move LeL back to Guard and fix 1a. and get a real RT + we need someone encase LT never gets back to his old playing days.
3. TE - impact player
4. QB - Dak needs someone to push him...

 

[LACowboysFan1]

DT and S.

I’ll continue to pound the drum for a DT early until we actually draft a dude that can impact the run and pass. Our stud LBs have covered up outback lack of talent there this year but if we get a good DT in the middle this D goes from solid to elite.

This class is loaded too, so there’s a high probability the BPA is a DT. One of the best DL classes I can remember.

Agree on the DT, but he has to be somebody who can rush the passer from the interior of the line - an Aaron Donald type would be ideal. A 4-3 doesn't necessarily need the giant NT, those guys are there to "clog the middle" on running plays, two good middle guys can handle the run defense. Ideally one DT is 6-3 & 325 and very quick, but those guys are pretty rare...

 

[RandyOh]

Here is Mine:

1a. LG - We need to get this sorted out so we keep the trash out of Dak's face
1.b C - See 1a, Looney has been serviceable, but i think hes more of a give someone a breather Center.
2. OT - Either Move LeL back to Guard and fix 1a. and get a real RT + we need someone encase LT never gets back to his old playing days.
3. TE - impact player
4. QB - Dak needs someone to push him...

I really wouldn’t get my hopes up for any early round Olinemen unless Fredbeard is forced to retire.They will Continue to develop Connor Williams at LG and I’m not sure they are ready to give up on Collins at RT Just yet. Especially since Columbo has yet to have an entire offseason with him as the Oline coach. Wouldn’t surprise me if they feel he can correct his mistakes at RT.

 

[LACowboysFan1]

I really wouldn’t get my hopes up for any early round Olinemen unless Fredbeard is forced to retire.They will Continue to develop Connor Williams at LG and I’m not sure they are ready to give up on Collins at RT Just yet. Especially since Columbo has yet to have an entire offseason with him as the Oline coach. Wouldn’t surprise me if they feel he can correct his mistakes at RT.

Seems most of Connor's problems involve strength issues, with perhaps some issues of playing too upright.

A full off season should help with both. Frederick seems to be recovering, hopefully by mid-winter he can start working out again. T. Smith, sadly, is going to have limited games where he's more like the "old" Smith. Back issues seldom go away, especially with as many years of wear and tear on him. Martin should heal up fine in the off season, barring additional injury, might need to be scoped to really put him right. Collins? I'm afraid what we see is what we can get, I don't see any improvement on him, though he's what I would call serviceable, not great but consistent in what he can do.

Really it all hinges on Frederick, to my view, if for no other reason than he is the center of it all, a multiple Pro Bowler who makes line calls, which is a huge part of his job, not everybody can do it, though Looney seems to be better than we all could have hoped for.

All in all it means to me there's little chance of a SB win, appearance or even an NFC Championship game appearance, as the o-line won't be what it can or should be, just no way. Hate to say the "wait 'till next year", but I think it applies to this team all too well

 

[RandyOh]

Tight End is by far our biggest need. I don’t care how solid Jarwin or Shultz have looked in a few the games. They are both solid 2nd and 3rd string TEs. We need a difference maker. Look at what the addition of just Cooper has done for the offense. Get another big time offensive weapon and this offense could be really good. Even if Dak turns out to be nothing more then a bus driver. Get him another weapon!

Safety is the next biggest need. Defense is already great. A good safety can turn it truly elite. Even if Earl Thomas is signed, get us a good Strong Safety then.

After that upgrades at DT, WR depth, and LB depth are next in line. For once I’m hardly worried about our CBS.

 

[RandyOh]

Seems most of Connor's problems involve strength issues, with perhaps some issues of playing too upright.

A full off season should help with both. Frederick seems to be recovering, hopefully by mid-winter he can start working out again. T. Smith, sadly, is going to have limited games where he's more like the "old" Smith. Back issues seldom go away, especially with as many years of wear and tear on him. Martin should heal up fine in the off season, barring additional injury, might need to be scoped to really put him right. Collins? I'm afraid what we see is what we can get, I don't see any improvement on him, though he's what I would call serviceable, not great but consistent in what he can do.

Really it all hinges on Frederick, to my view, if for no other reason than he is the center of it all, a multiple Pro Bowler who makes line calls, which is a huge part of his job, not everybody can do it, though Looney seems to be better than we all could have hoped for.

All in all it means to me there's little chance of a SB win, appearance or even an NFC Championship game appearance, as the o-line won't be what it can or should be, just no way. Hate to say the "wait 'till next year", but I think it applies to this team all too well

Agreed that Williams just needs time to develop. He’s a quick and agile OT that needs some strength training to fully make his transition to NFL guard. I’m not really worried about him tbh.

I wouldn’t say a super bowl appearance or win fully Hinges on Frederick but I don’t think we have any chance of having another dynasty without him. A player of his level just makes everything much easier for the entire offense. Looney at times has looked boarder line pro bowl caliber. Of course he falls back to Earth but if he can turn it on to that level when it’s needed then I think current Oline can be good enough for a championship run this year.

 

[LACowboysFan1]

Looney at times has looked boarder line pro bowl caliber. Of course he falls back to Earth but if he can turn it on to that level when it’s needed then I think current Oline can be good enough for a championship run this year.

Appreciate the optimism, but I don't see the o-line being nearly good enough to make a SB run this year. Could be wrong of course, and that would be fantastic, but essentially the line has 3 players that are below the 2016 line, and even that one didn't win the SB...

 

[LACowboysFan1]

Tight End is by far our biggest need. I don’t care how solid Jarwin or Shultz have looked in a few the games. They are both solid 2nd and 3rd string TEs

Schultz is a rookie. Jarwin a 2nd year player. Way too early to make a judgment that they're both 2nd and 3rd stringers, even Witten wasn't a Pro Bowler until his 2nd year. Can't draft every position first round, other positions have to take precedence. The greatest tight end ever can't do much if the quarterback is flat on his back 50 times and year the the running game can't make 80 yards a game...

 

[RandyOh]

Appreciate the optimism, but I don't see the o-line being nearly good enough to make a SB run this year. Could be wrong of course, and that would be fantastic, but essentially the line has 3 players that are below the 2016 line, and even that one didn't win the SB...

No dominant teams this year that make me say yea they winning it all. Patriots don’t scare me at all. saints and Rams look very much beatable. I think this years playoffs are going to be very entertaining. Every team seems to have a legit chance at winning it all.

 

[RandyOh]

Schultz is a rookie. Jarwin a 2nd year player. Way too early to make a judgment that they're both 2nd and 3rd stringers, even Witten wasn't a Pro Bowler until his 2nd year. Can't draft every position first round, other positions have to take precedence. The greatest tight end ever can't do much if the quarterback is flat on his back 50 times and year the the running game can't make 80 yards a game...

I mean we have put the resources into pretty much all other areas. Multiple 1st round picks and day 2 picks into the Oline, same goes for the pass rush, line backers, & cornerbacks. We spent our 1st on Cooper pretty much. Gallup looks like a top 3 WR from his draft class already. Even spent the 4th overall pick on our RB. QB, TE, and Safety are the positions we haven’t put much investment in the past few drafts. I doubt we even spend a 7th round pick on a QB this year. That leaves TE and Safety. Our defense already looks top 10 if not top 5 in the league. Not to mention I feel we go after Earl Thomas in free agency to fix our problems at safety. Our offense is what’s going to hold us back. Finding a TE who can actually block and punish defenses for leaving him open would be the biggest help. No QB in this years draft will be an improvement over Dak. 2020 draft would be the year to go all in for a QB if Dak is just not cutting it. TE is the way to go in my eyes. Will either help Dak or Make the transition to the NFL that much easier for whichever QB we draft in 2020.

 

[LACowboysFan1]

I mean we have put the resources into pretty much all other areas. Multiple 1st round picks and day 2 picks into the Oline, same goes for the pass rush, line backers, & cornerbacks. We spent our 1st on Cooper pretty much. Gallup looks like a top 3 WR from his draft class already. Even spent the 4th overall pick on our RB. QB, TE, and Safety are the positions we haven’t put much investment in the past few drafts. I doubt we even spend a 7th round pick on a QB this year. That leaves TE and Safety. Our defense already looks top 10 if not top 5 in the league. Not to mention I feel we go after Earl Thomas in free agency to fix our problems at safety. Our offense is what’s going to hold us back. Finding a TE who can actually block and punish defenses for leaving him open would be the biggest help. No QB in this years draft will be an improvement over Dak. 2020 draft would be the year to go all in for a QB if Dak is just not cutting it. TE is the way to go in my eyes. Will either help Dak or Make the transition to the NFL that much easier for whichever QB we draft in 2020.

I see your point, but if we draft tight end in the 2nd, you're essentially wasting Jarwin and Schultz before they have a chance to show what they can do.
Schultz as a rookie got few reps since he was behind Swaim as the vet and Jarwin as his backup. Essentially you're giving up on what could be a Pro Bowl tight end. Just too early to tell, imo. I do agree that at this point tight end isn't a strong part of the team at this time, but with the emphasis on the running game tight end on this team is really just another blocker, we could have Kelce or Ertz and he'd not be a Pro Bowler since he'd get used way less than they are with other teams...

 

[cnuball21]

Schultz is a rookie. Jarwin a 2nd year player. Way too early to make a judgment that they're both 2nd and 3rd stringers, even Witten wasn't a Pro Bowler until his 2nd year. Can't draft every position first round, other positions have to take precedence. The greatest tight end ever can't do much if the quarterback is flat on his back 50 times and year the the running game can't make 80 yards a game...

Couldn’t agree more. We don’t need to be drafting TE unless a that player is way better than what’s available.

 

[Ranched]

Tight End is by far our biggest need. I don’t care how solid Jarwin or Shultz have looked in a few the games. They are both solid 2nd and 3rd string TEs. We need a difference maker. Look at what the addition of just Cooper has done for the offense. Get another big time offensive weapon and this offense could be really good. Even if Dak turns out to be nothing more then a bus driver. Get him another weapon!

Agree. Whoever they get must be a serviceable blocker, since Dak and the offense are best when the designs flow through Zeke and the ground game.

Being they don’t have a first round pick, and while this whole exercise is fairly absurd, it’s even more absurd to try to peg who will be going in the mid 50s come April. Iowa’s Noah Fant is probably a fringe first rounder at the moment. Or maybe Alabama’s Irv Smith Jr., son of the former Saints first round TE.